2004 premiership coach Mark 'Choco" Williams has landed the head of development position for Hawthorn's AFLW program, in a massive coup for the Dingley-based club.
Williams had not been seen in any coaching capacity since being relieved of his duties with the Melbourne Demons soon after the conclusion of Simon Goodwin's tenure, as the club sought to usher in a new era, in earnest.
An Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee, Williams helmed Port Adelaide to its only AFL premiership in 2004, famously ending the Brisbane Lions' dynasty.
Williams departed Alberton after 12 years, before storied stints in assistant and development capacities at GWS, Richmond and Melbourne.
As a player, Williams won two Copeland Trophies as Collingwood's best and fairest player, after clinching four SANFL premierships in his native South Australia.
Williams' tactical knowledge, acumen in the development of young players, and relationship-building expertise will be instrumental in aiding the Hawks' pursuit of premiership success. After a top four finish last season, Hawthorn's flag dreams were slashed in abrupt fashion, with a straight sets exit from finals unfortunately, ended their story.
Straight sets exits are something Williams knows all too much about, after the Demons' men's side produced such an unwanted ending to their season in back-to-back years while he wore the red and blue polo.
